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Moving lots 'o paint.

ausf

Master at Arms
As promised, my AB report of the Iwata HP TH. Wasn't sure where to stick the thread, feel free to move it if necessary.

I arrived at my porch the same time UPS did, so about 15 minutes later (I have the house to myself for a few hours), I was firing the puppy up.

First impression, this thing is huge, but definitely gorgeous, hefty Iwata solidness, all for $154 (no tax/no shipping on Amazon). This is the Japan release, they skipped the grip style water trap, aluminum case and the customary Iwata QC test paper that the US release has, but it's also $250 less, so a cardboard box is fine with me. It included two air caps, flat spray and round as well as a small tube of needle lube and Japanese instructions.

I haven't had a gravity feed with a color cup before, I wish I knew it popped off, I was trying to twist it and for a few minutes thought I had a cross threaded piece. I eventually got it off, but I can see I'll need to be careful in the future, not to go through any hijinks with a cup full of paint. Probably won't use the cap much, it's a sizeable cup, can't see filling it anywhere near the top.

Mr. Budzik knows his stuff (as if there was a doubt). What a difference in how the paint lays down. I truly can't believe I used to prime and paint 1/16 armor with my HP-BC2. Wide, wet coverage, no pebbling. I'll prime Batman with it soon to really give it a once over. I can't wait to lay down a coat of Future with this thing.

Here's a comparison shot of the three Iwatas I have and their patterns on black styrene stock with grey Vallejo Poly Primer straight from the bottle, no thinning. Pressure about 30 PSI across the board, I plan on messing arounnd with mixtures and pressures in the next few days to get the most out of these three.

In order from top to bottom:

The new HP-TH, pattern is two straight passes from about 2 inches away.

The HP-BC2 and finally the HP-AH.

he81c4e4.jpg


Here's closer pics of the brushes in their cases which have changed over the years more than the brushes have.

My workhorse, the HP-BC2. I bought it from the original Pearl Paint on Canal Street in Manhattan back in '81 or '82. Still has the original tip and needle. Been working flawlessly all these years, but didn't start being used on models until the 00s. Nice wooden case.

h899f46a.jpg


Next up is the HP-AH I picked up a few years back. US release, I bought it for detail work, but mainly for quick color changes of a gravity feed (washing out the siphon cup between colors is a drag, plus so much paint is wasted feeding that way). Plastic snap case.

h9c4c5cb.jpg


Finally, the new toy, the HP-TH. Huge, moves a ton of paint, easy to clean, the needle is almost blunt by comparison to the others. Two caps. Simple cardboard box.

hf4444a1.jpg
 
Nice review. Thanks. Now I'm wondering if I really need another ab. :hmmm
James

Thanks James, not really a review, but just my first impression.

I wasn't in the market for another AB either, then after the Budzik videos I just thought I may be using rattle can primer in the future because I couldn't see spending $400 on a bigger brush. But after some gentle nudging at the cliff edge by a couple of well meaning members here (mostly by pointing to the same brush for $150), I couldn't resist.

I'll put in through it's paces over the next few days. It may be worth it's price just in clear coat spraying...
 
Does anyone know if the thread on the hook up is standard. I got a couple extra quick release male connectors but I got them from Badger.

Good review Jeff. (y)

If you're interested in doing more let me know, I'll get you on the Review Crew and some front page coverage.
 
I'll take better pics and send a bunch of different materials through it soon, so yeah I can put together more coherent thoughts on it.

I have a $5 cheapo plastic moisture trap that I thread the three into, so Iwata hasn't changed threads in 33 years, but I'm pretty sure my Badger uses a different size. I'll have to dig it out, but it's a thick braided hose with an aluminum nut where the Iwata is a steel/brass connector with a gasket on a slim poly hose.
 
Iwata and Badger are like Fords and Chevys, the parts don't interchange. I have both and run them on separate air lines.
 
Good info Ausf :good: I have been studying this topic for a couple of years now and I feel pretty certain this is the way to go.
I hope your hands on findings confirm my thoughts.

Now all I have to do is stop being cheap and get one :fencing


I still use the Badger air hose with my Iwata . Just need a thread the adapter . Cheaper than a new hose and works just fine.

Cheers, Christian B)
 
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